How to Prepare Files for [Product]" (e.g., brochures, packaging) for printing

Set the Correct Document Size

• Match the final finished size exactly

  • Brochure: A4 / A5 / custom size

  • Packaging: use the official dieline

• Orientation (portrait / landscape) must be correct

• Do not scale designs at print time

2️⃣ Add Bleed, Trim & Safe Margins

• Bleed: 3–5 mm on all sides

• Trim line: where cutting happens

• Safe area: keep text/logos at least 5–7 mm inside

• Backgrounds & images must extend into the bleed

📌 Most cutting issues come from missing bleed.

3️⃣ Use the Correct Color Mode (CMYK)

• Always design in CMYK

• Avoid RGB (screen colors ≠ print colors)

• Recommended profile:

  • FOGRA39 or ISO Coated v2

• Black text:

  • Small text → 100% K

  • Large black areas → Rich black (C40 M30 Y30 K100)

4️⃣ Image Resolution Rules

• 300 DPI at final size (minimum 240 DPI)

• Avoid screenshots or WhatsApp images

• Don’t stretch small images to large sizes

• Preferred formats:

  • TIFF / PSD / High-quality JPG

5️⃣ Fonts: Don’t Let Them Break

Choose ONE:

• ✅ Convert all fonts to outlines

• ✅ Or embed all fonts in the PDF

❌ Never leave system fonts unembedded
❌ Avoid very thin fonts (<6 pt)

6️⃣ Packaging-Specific Rules (Very Important)

• Use the exact dieline (do not redraw it)

• Keep dieline on a separate non-printing layer

• Do NOT place text on:

  • Fold lines

  • Glue areas

  • Lock tabs

• Indicate:

  • Inside vs outside print

  • Lamination / foil / spot UV layers (if any)

7️⃣ Finishing Layers (If Used)

Create separate vector layers for:

• Spot UV

• Foil stamping

• Emboss / deboss

• Die-cut paths

Rules:

• 100% solid color

• Named clearly (e.g. SPOT_UV, FOIL_GOLD)

• Overprint enabled

8️⃣ Export Settings (Final Output)

✅ PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4
✅ High quality / Press quality
✅ Bleed included
❌ No crop marks unless printer requests them

9️⃣ Final Pre-Print Checklist ✅

Before sending:

• Size matches product

• CMYK colors

• Bleed added

• Fonts outlined/embedded

• Images 300 DPI

• Dieline correct (for packaging)

• No spelling mistakes

10️⃣ Pro Tip from the Print Floor 🧠

If you’re unsure about dieline, material, or finishing →
Ask the printer BEFORE designing, not after.